>>2232523i got experience with a smaller boat on a larger lake.
my father got me into the hobby, hes been sailing since '86. he kept his first boat all these years, Chrysler buccaneer 19' open hull.
we sailed the buc on lake michigan, if your boat is smaller than 18' i wouldnt venture more than a couple miles from shore.
we finally upgraded to a 30' c&c and im planning on doing the hook next year.